The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-27
THAT POSTAL RULING.

THAT POSTAL RULING.
Curious Way TO Repeal an Order-What day
BE Written Fourth Glass Wrappers.
Washington Special.
1t cannot be learned that the postofice Of
fcals have notified anv postmaster save the one
in this city that the word ''merchandise" can be
written upon packages which contain fourth
class matter. If these officials do not know the
fact, pretty much every else does, that
postmasters everywhere are Withholding or are
charging letter postage upon packages of the
fourth-cass as well as packages of third class
matter because word has been written
uponsthe wrapper designed TO inform the post
master and the recipient what the general con-
tsnts OF the package A long and not very
lucid circular has been sent out by postmasters
in the different cities explaining what and
what cannot be placed upon the different classes
of matter, and the general conclusions of the
public, and apparently of most postmasters, has
been that nothing whatever but the address can
be written envelope IN which anything is
incosed unless tho matter is to be sent at letter
rates. The new instruction to the postmaster
here is that the word "merchandiser may be
written upon packages containing matter of the
fourth class without subjecting such packages
to any different rate of postage than that fixed
by law for fourth-cass matter The postmaster
says he does not know what the order means
beyond what its language implies, and that he
cannot understand that there is any difference
~ tile law to what be written upon
fourth-class matter, and what can be written
upon third-class matter. and he has been ex-
pressly directed that the words books, mag
azines,' music" ''engravings' and ike designa
tions written or printed upon tho envelopes in
which third-class matter s inclosed would sub
ect such matter to the rate of postage prescribed
for letters.
tits not vet clear whether this instruction is
to be given to any other postmasters than the
one here. Inquiry having been made at the
Postoffice Department for information to
wnat is regarded by the postmaster at Washing
ton order, q Postofice Department official
said in the first place that no such order" had
been issued, technically speaking, but that
'.ruliug" had been made which was to the effect
indicated. He thought it possible that this rul-
ing might appear in the Postal Guide for Janu
ary, but he did not know. He acknowledged
that possibly it might be printed in the next
nual report OF the Postmaster general. in De-
cember, 1888. but was not prepared to say that
the fftv-five thousand postmasters in the coun-
try to be officially informed as to
it. He further said that 1t had been
thoucht advisable not to- give the pnoLic
he declined to make public the letter or to per-
NIT a copy of it to be seen. Mr.. Villas, who is
still the titular Postmaster-general, was not
present at the time and very probably would not
have been willing to give any more information
upon the subject if he had been; for he is IN
derstood to have practically abdicated his duties
as Postmaster general, and to be awaiting his
confirmation to assume charge OF the Interior
Department Meanwhile the officials in the
PostoGice Department evidently do not know
what Mr. Dlckinson's views may be, and their
lips are therefore sealed.
The postmaster of this city does not hold any
such contracted views of his relations to the
public and through his courtesy it is possible to
make public the correspondence which has
suited in this order, ruling, the postofice
officials prefer to call it:
100 FIFTEENTH STREET, N w, I
WAsHINGToN, d. G., Dec. il, 1875
Sir-A little time since sent by mail package of
The following fac siile of the address printed
With PEN
Merchanise. MISS Z. ). SLOAN
294 Carlton avenue.
Brooklyn, n. Y.
lawful printing trouble made about it, and
am requested hereafter to write and not to print the
thecustom OF such printing many years without COM
plant. cannot understand why it is unlawful or
that have broken law, and respectfully request
information on the subject. WM H. BUSHNELL.
To the Hon. ster-General.
OFFICE THIRD ASST POSTMASTER GENERAL
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 1887
MIR. VIM. II. Bushnel:
Sir-Yours of the 18th instant, addressed to the
Postmastergeneral has been referred to this Office.
other than that stated it improperly rated up.
The word merchandise is held by the Department.
package Of fourthclass matter For fuller informa-
tion see the inclosed circular MANSON DAVIS
Acting Third Assistant Postmaster general
The circular referred to was the same as the
one issued from the New York office by Henry
G. Pearson, postmaster. relative to second,
third and fourth-class matter.
OFFICE OF THE THIRD ASST P. NJ G..
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 1887
To the Postmaster. Washington, d. e.:
Sri inclose copies of certain correspondence be-
tween Mr.. William H. Bushnell of this city and this
Office, regarding the improper rating of certain
package of fourth-cass matter. You will hereafter
please govern yourself in accordance with the decision
herein given. MADISON DAVIS,
Acting Third Asst P. NJ. G..
The action of the Postofice Department
this subject has had the effect to decrease ma
terially the revenues of the postoffice and to
respondingly increase the receipts of the express
company. The officials of the express compa-
MES here that they have never had such
large business transact at the corresponding
period OF former years now, while the ofli-
cials of the city postofice say that the bulk of
the holiday mail has been very greatly dimin-